
2012
112
Bible Study Guide for the Third Quarter
The Thessalonians faced stress, strains, struggles, even outright
persecution. In other words, life for them, as for all of us, had its
hard moments. Despite these moments, the Thessalonians had a sure
hope, a hope based on what Christ had done for them, a hope that
pointed to the greatest promise of all—the Second Coming. Though
Paul had chided the Thessalonians, they had issues in the church—
behavioral as well as theological (sound familiar?)—it was to them,
and us, that Paul wrote some of the most incredible, uplifting, and
hopeful words in all inspiration.
In this quarter’s Bible study guide on 1 and 2 Thessalonians by
Jon Paulien, we will get a glimpse into the life of an early Christian
church. We will see some of the struggles and challenges that it
faced, including the difficulties that arose from the fact that Christ
had not yet returned. Fascinating, too, is that however different their
circumstances, so often the principles reflected in Paul’s words to
them deal with the issues and challenges that we, too, confront as we
await the return of our Lord Jesus, whose death on the cross at the
first coming guarantees His return in glory at the Second.
Lesson 1
—The Gospel Comes to Thessalonica
The Week at a Glance:
su n D A Y : The Preachers Pay a Price (Acts 16:9–40)
Mo n D A Y : Paul’s Preaching Strategy (Luke 24:25–27, 44–46)
tu e s D A Y : Two Views of the Messiah (Isa. 9:1–7, Isa. 53:1–6)
we D n e s D A Y : Suffering Before Glory (Luke 24:26)
th u r s D A Y : A Church Is Born (Acts 17:1–4, 12)
Memory Text—
1 Thessalonians 2:13
Sabbath Gem:
Our assurance of God’s promises must be based
on our confidence in His Holy Scriptures.
Lesson 2
—Preserving Relationships
The Week at a Glance:
su n D A Y : Opposition in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5–9)
Mo n D A Y : The Episode in Berea (Acts 17:10–15)
tu e s D A Y : Interlude in Athens (Acts 17:16–34)
we D n e s D A Y : Arrival in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:18–2:22)
th u r s D A Y : Paul Reveals His Heart (1 Thess. 2:17–3:10)
Memory Text—
1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20
Sabbath Gem:
True evangelism leads to relationships that can
stand the test of time and last for eternity.
Lessons for the Visually Impaired
The regular Adult Sabbath School
Bible Study Guide is available free each month in braille and on audiocassette to
sight-impaired and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal ink
print. This includes individuals who, because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis,
accident, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal ink-print publications. Contact
Christian Record Services, Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506-0097.